Rockfish is the common name for many types of fish. On the east coast, the term rockfish often refers to the striped bass. On the west coast, however, the term rockfish refers to several species of commercially valuable groundfish such as the widow, yellowtail, canary, shortbelly, and vermilion rockfish, as well as the bocaccio, chilipepper, cowcod, yelloweye, thornyheads, and Pacific Ocean perch. Rockfish live a very long time and take a long time to mature. That means that the young rockfish are often caught before they can produce offspring. This has led to rockfish being overfished. The scientists on the Ocean Star are working to figure out if the rockfish populations are healthy.

Elementary Challenge:

Draw what you think a rockfish looks like, then compare it to the picture found here.

Middle School Challenge:

Watch the video. Why do you think the filmmaker says that the oceans need us? What can you do to help the oceans?

High School Challenge:

Read over the Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. Select a species of interest and read the species assessment report.

• What type of data was collected for the report?

• How was the data collected (summarize the methods)

• What statistical tests were performed on the results?

• What conclusions were reached regarding management of the species?